Harper Connelly never expected to find herself outside of a tattoo parlor at one in the morning, summoning the nerve to take back her past. She’s determined to forget her old life and is looking for an artist who can tattoo over the scars on her back.

Trent Andrews, local legend and owner of the Second Circle tattoo studio, has his own reasons for specializing in inking over scars. And in spite of her mysterious past and the difficult road ahead, he quickly realizes that Harper is funny, smart, and–under her ridiculously oversized clothing and SPF 100 sunscreen–totally hot. He’s happy to take on the challenge of designing a meaningful and deadly full-back tattoo for her.

But when cryptic messages start appearing on Harper’s phone, strange deliveries arrive at her door, and Second Circle is vandalized, Harper is convinced that her ex-boyfriend has tracked her down, and worse, that he knows about Trent. Running was the only thing that saved her last time, but now that she’s started to put down roots in Miami, she’ll have to decide if she can finally fight back instead.

“You ready to show me how amazing you are at this?”
“Always,” he said, grinning at her. “One amazing, bad-ass tattoo coming right up.”

This book was really good. It was fun, sexy, hot, emotional and had suspense. For me this book needed more suspense but it was really good. This book is for tattoo lovers out there! Now what is this book about? This is about a girl named Harper that ran from her past. She was attacked by someone she trusted and she has the scars to prove it. Harper wants to do something about that scars, she does not want the constant reminder of that night. Harper is terrified that her attacker would find her so she does not live a full life. Harper was a teacher but she no longer is one because of the attack. Harper decided to do something about the scars, she needed it gone to move on with her life. Harper found herself in front of Second Circle tattoo shop at one in the morning to enlist Trent whose specialty was inking over scars. She wanted him to design and create a large tattoo that turned her back into something beautiful. Trent was immediately drawn to her, but once he saw the depth of her pain, he wanted to help her get through all her pain.And with each tattooing session, they grew closer until their feelings for each other could no longer be denied…

“Fuck.” Trent growled and pulled her into his chest… His eyes were steely. Focused. “We’re in this together. We can keep you safe. I don’t want us to have secrets, darlin’. I want to know more. Everything.”

Okay, Trent is so totally swoon worthy! He will also melt your heart with all the sweet words.Trent was the most kind, gentle and caring guy you could imaging. He was patient, understanding, and did an amazing job at always putting Harper at ease. Not only that but he was funny, charming, oh-so swoony and once he knew Harper trusted him, he unleashed pure sexiness! Harper was a very strong heroine. Having survived a truly horrific ordeal, she naturally had a lot of fears. But she was also determined to keep living her life and her decision to get the tattoo was the first step towards finally putting the past behind her and taking back the control that had been stolen from her. Under Trent’s TLC and love, she definitely came a long way. The build of there relationship between the tattoo sessions was so sweet and i obviously made my heart flutter. Even thought Trent’s body is full of tattoo’s (making you think of him as a bad boy) he is actually my dream guy….. I loved the way Trent both respected her, helped her, and loved her, while supporting her, and encouraging her to move forward with her life.

“I don’t want to move.”
“So don’t.” He pressed a soft kiss into her hair.
“No one has hugged me in a very long time,” she said… “Thank you.”
“Any time. Tattoos and hugs. I’m great at them both. Just don’t tell the guys out there or I’ll never hear the end of it.”

This book is told in alternating POV’S which means we got to see into both characters minds. This book ws easy to read and it was also quite steamy.This is the first standalone in a series of standalones. This has a complete story and Trent and Harper’s romance is completely wrapped up by the end (with an epilogue). The next book is a different couple. If you looking for a deliciously swoon worthy, sexy, fun read with sweet loving romance and a dash (and I mean a dash) of suspense. Cujo and Drea are due to have their story told in early 2016, I am looking forward to seeing where Scarlett takes this group of characters next.

Scarlett Cole is a contemporary romantic suspense / contemporary romance author (represented by Beth Phelan at The Bent Agency). Her debut novel, THE STRONGEST STEEL, book one in the Second Circle Tattoos series, will be published by St. Martin’s Press on 07/07/15.

When Scarlett isn’t writing, she spends her time reading, hoarding mason jars, and working out to off-set an epic sour candy habit.

Having travelled the world for work and fun, Scarlett is a citizen of both Britain and Canada. A true city-dweller, she considers Toronto and Manchester home and likes to set her books in vibrant locations such as Miami and Los Angeles.

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2 thoughts on “Review: The Strongest Steel by Scarlett Cole”

I like your review style, Ryna. Would love to have you also share your reviews on reviewcreep.com and get you some free exposure. The easiest way to get started is by using your existing review blog posts since you’ve already done the work… just enter your wordpress blog url when it asks for it during the quick signup… it will make it easy to add all your existing reviews. Our marketing team is going to be sending out the top reviews in a daily/weekly curated email to our entire list.

Hi there! I’m Maryna!

I'm a women that has a passion for books, photography, coffee and blogging. I started this blog to share my passion for books, particularly young adult , new adult & adult books with the world! For me a room without books is like a life without a soul. The genres I love is romance, contemporary fiction, fantasy/ paranormal, chick lit, erotica & romantic suspense. There is no shame in reading books of any genre because those who read lives a thousand different life's.
~xo, Ryna

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I read and review books because I love to. Sometimes I receive ARCs for free from publishers or authors for review. I do not receive payment by publishers or authors for doing so. ALL reviews are my own thoughts and opinions, non-biased, and not at all influenced by authors or publishers, including promotional blog tour reviews. All book covers are taken from Goodreads.com unless otherwise noted.